Sexual identity, sexual attraction and sexual experience: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet Richters ◽  
Dennis Altman ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Female Sexuality ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sex Attraction

Background Behavioural and other aspects of sexuality are not always consistent. This study describes the prevalence and overlap of same-sex and other-sex attraction and experience and of different sexual identities in Australia. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years recruited by landline and mobile phone random-digit dialling with a response rate (participation rate among eligible people) of 66.2%. Respondents were asked about their sexual identity (‘Do you think of yourself as’ heterosexual/straight, homosexual/gay, bisexual, etc.) and the sex of people with whom they had ever had sexual contact and to whom they had felt sexually attracted. Results: Men and women had different patterns of sexual identity. Although the majority of people identified as heterosexual (97% men, 96% women), women were more likely than men to identify as bisexual. Women were less likely than men to report exclusively other-sex or same-sex attraction and experience; 9% of men and 19% of women had some history of same-sex attraction and/or experience. Sexual attraction and experience did not necessarily correspond. Homosexual/gay identity was more common among men with tertiary education and living in cities and less common among men with blue-collar jobs. Many gay men (53%) and lesbians (76%) had some experience with an other-sex partner. More women identified as lesbian or bisexual than in 2001–02. Similarly, more women reported same-sex experience and same-sex attraction. Conclusion: In Australia, men are more likely than women to report exclusive same-sex attraction and experience, although women are more likely than men to report any non-heterosexual identity, experience and attraction. Whether this is a feature of the plasticity of female sexuality or due to lesser stigma than for men is unknown.

scholarly journals Intersections between Sexual Identity, Sexual Attraction, and Sexual Behavior among a Nationally Representative Sample of American Men and Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 859-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Mishel
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Bisexual Identity

Abstract Social scientists struggle on how to best operationalize and measure sexual orientation. Depending on the survey, researchers can use self-reports of lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity, same-sex partner cohabitation, same-sex sexual attraction, or same-sex sexual behavior. All measures come with their own limitations. To illuminate differences in these measures, this study examines the intersections between self-reported sexual identity, attraction, and behavior among a nationally representative sample of US men and women aged 15–45. I explore how and when the three measures align, examine the determinants of self-identifying as gay or bisexual based on sexual behavior and attraction, and assess gender differences in the patterns. I find that about 20% of women and 10% of men aged 15–45 would comprise the LGB community if it were defined to include those who report at least one of the following: gay or bisexual identity, any same-sex attraction, or same-sex sex in the last year. This is much higher than the 6.4% of women and 3.6% of men aged 15–45 who self-identify as LGB. I conclude with recommendations that can aid in measurement of the LGB population, and discuss implications for using certain measures over others when conducting research on the LGB community.

scholarly journals Intersections between Sexual Identity, Sexual Attraction, and Sexual Behavior among a Nationally Representative Sample of American Men and Women

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Mishel
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Bisexual Identity

Social scientists struggle in how to best operationalize and measure sexual orientation. Depending on the survey, researchers can use self-reports of lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity, same-sex partner cohabitation, same-sex sexual attraction, or same-sex sexual behavior. All measures come with their own limitations. To illuminate differences in these measures, this study examines the intersections between self-reported sexual identity, attraction, and behavior among a nationally representative sample of U.S. men and women aged 15-45. I explore how and when the three measures align, examine the determinants of self-identifying as gay or bisexual based on sexual behavior and attraction, and assess gender differences in the patterns. I find that about 20% of women and 10% of men aged 15-45 would comprise the LGB community if it were defined to include those who report at least one of the following: gay or bisexual identity, any same-sex attraction, or same-sex sex in the last year. This is much higher than the 6.4% of women and 3.6% of men aged 15-45 who self-identify as LGB. I conclude with recommendations that can aid in measurement of the LGB population, and discuss implications for using certain measures over others when conducting research on the LGB community.

scholarly journals Conceptualization and measurement of homosexuality in sex surveys: a critical review

2006 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 1365-1374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Michaels ◽  
Brigitte Lhomond
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Research Traditions ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Attraction Behavior ◽  
Interviewing Technique

This article reviews major national population sex surveys that have asked questions about homosexuality focusing on conceptual and methodological issues, including the definitions of sex, the measured aspects of homosexuality, sampling and interviewing technique, and questionnaire design. Reported rates of major measures of same-sex attraction, behavior, partners, and sexual identity from surveys are also presented and compared. The study of homosexuality in surveys has been shaped by the research traditions and questions ranging from sexology to the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS. Sexual behavior has been a central topic at least since Kinsey. Issues of sexual attraction and/or orientation and sexual identity have emerged more recently. Differences in the treatment of men and women in the design and analysis of surveys as well as in the reported rates in different surveys, in different countries and time periods are also presented and discussed. We point out the importance of the consideration of both methodological and social change issues in assessing such differences.

Sexual Identity Development and Synthesis among LGB-Identified and LGB Dis-Identified Persons

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Yarhouse ◽  
Erica S. N. Tan ◽  
Lisa M. Pawlowski
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Multiple Outcomes ◽  
Sexual Identity Development ◽  
Religiously Affiliated ◽  
Sex Attraction ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Identity Synthesis

What are the key milestone events that facilitate sexual identity among persons who experience same-sex attraction? Do those milestone events lead to one outcome, or are multiple outcomes possible with respect to how sexual identity develops and synthesizes over time? This initial pilot study compared 14 religiously-affiliated persons who integrated their experiences of same-sex attraction into a lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity synthesis, with 14 religiously-affiliated persons who dis-identified with a LGB-affirming ideology and pursued an alternative identity synthesis. We identified influences that facilitated an individual identifying with LGB-affirming ideologies and the individuals/subcultures that embrace such ideologies, and influences that facilitated an individual dis-identifying with LGB-affirming ideologies and the individuals/subcultures that embrace such ideologies.

Homosexual experience and recent homosexual encounters: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Wendy Heywood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background The aim of this study is to describe homosexual experience and characteristics of recent homosexual encounters among Australian adults and identify changes between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years and the participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents indicated the number of same-sex partners they had had in their lifetime and in the last 12 months. Those who reported any homosexual experience were asked the age at which this first occurred and about characteristics of the first and most recent homosexual encounter. Results: Reporting ever having same-sex experience was more common in women (13.5%) than in men (6.5%, P < 0.001). Among these people, men reported more lifetime and recent same-sex partners than women (P < 0.001). Same-sex experience was associated with some but not all indices of higher socioeconomic status. In men, it was associated with living in a major city (P = 0.02) and in women, it was associated with younger (<30 years) age and with very low income (P < 0.001). Men were younger than women at their first homosexual encounter (P = 0.005). Women were more likely than men to have their first same-sex encounter with a regular partner. For women but not men, there was a significant increase in the proportion reporting same-sex experience since 2001–02. Conclusion: Same-sex experience is not uncommon and is increasing in prevalence in young Australian women. The high number of same-sex partners among homosexual and bisexual men places them at greater risk of sexually transmissible infection.

The Evolution of Same-Sex Attraction in Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menelaos Apostolou
Keyword(s):  
Strong Support ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
High Tolerance ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sex Attraction ◽  
Opposite Sex

Abstract. A considerable proportion of the population experiences varying degrees of same-sex attraction. It has been proposed that men exhibit high tolerance to their partner’s same-sex infidelity, which allows such predispositions to exist in a relative high frequency in the population. On this basis, the hypothesis was tested that heterosexual men and women would differ in their tolerance level, with men exhibiting higher tolerance to same-sex infidelity than women. Evidence from an online sample of 590 heterosexual Greek-speaking participants provided strong support for this hypothesis. In particular, the vast majority of women exhibited low tolerance, while about one in two men exhibited high tolerance to same-sex infidelity. Furthermore, men and women exhibited higher tolerance to the same-sex infidelity of their long-term than of their short-term partners, with men exhibiting higher tolerance in the latter case. In addition, women exhibited low tolerance to opposite-sex and same-sex infidelity, but men exhibited low tolerance to opposite-sex infidelity, but much higher tolerance to same-sex infidelity.

Knowledge about and experience of sexually transmissible infections in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Juliet Richters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
History Of

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) present a substantial public health burden, and are related to modifiable sexual behaviours. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a population-representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents were asked questions regarding their knowledge about, self-reported history of, and testing for STIs. Results: STI knowledge was better in women, the young, people of higher socioeconomic status, those with a variety of indicators of being at high STI risk and those with a history of receiving sex education in school. Approximately one in six men and women reported a lifetime history of an STI. A history of STI testing in the last year was reported by ~one in six (17%) women and one in eight men (13%) and higher rates of testing in women were reported in most high-risk groups. The highest rates of STI testing (61%) and HIV testing (89%) were reported in homosexual men. Conclusion: Knowledge of STI-related health consequences and transmission is improving in Australians, and rates of STI testing were relatively high but were higher in women than in men. Further increases in testing rates in both sexes will be required to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, which is a cornerstone of STI control.

Precarious Sexuality: How Men and Women Are Differentially Categorized for Similar Sexual Behavior

2018 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trenton D. Mize ◽  
Bianca Manago
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Sexual Encounter ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Heterosexual Woman ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Survey Experiments

Are men and women categorized differently for similar sexual behavior? Building on theories of gender, sexuality, and status, we introduce the concept of precarious sexuality to suggest that men’s—but not women’s—heterosexuality is an especially privileged identity that is easily lost. We test our hypotheses in a series of survey experiments describing a person who has a sexual experience conflicting with their sexual history. We find that a single same-sex sexual encounter leads an observer to question a heterosexual man’s sexual orientation to a greater extent than that of a heterosexual woman in a similar situation. We also find that a different-sex sexual encounter is more likely to change others’ perceptions of a lesbian woman’s sexual orientation—compared to perceptions of a gay man’s sexual orientation. In two conceptual replications, we vary the level of intimacy of the sexual encounter and find consistent evidence for our idea of precarious sexuality for heterosexual men. We close with a general discussion of how status beliefs influence categorization processes and with suggestions for extending our theoretical propositions to other categories beyond those of sexual orientation.

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